Unveiling the Javanese spiritual legacy

Exploring its impact on leadership among catholic priests

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the types of local knowledge associated with priestly leadership behaviours in the context of Indonesian experiences. Specifically, the research explored the significance of spiritual life among Catholic priests with a Javanese cultural background in the diocese of Malang and whether Javanese values influenced their spiritual and priestly lives. A qualitative approach was utilized, and a questionnaire was administered to collect research data from actively ministering priests in the deanery of Malang. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. The findings of the study revealed that Catholic Javanese priests embodied six indicators of Javanese spirituality, including Javanese manners (tata krama or unggah-ungguh), selflessness (sepi ing pamrih), role model (panutan), tolerance (tepa selira), celibacy, and meditation. The implications of the study were thoroughly reviewed and discussed. The study highlighted the influence of Javanese cultural values on Catholic priests’ spiritual and priestly lives in the diocese of Malang. The findings shed light on the importance of understanding and appreciating the local knowledge and cultural context in shaping effective priestly leadership behaviours. This research contributes to intercultural studies within the Catholic Church. It provides insights for pastoral training and formation programs that aim to develop culturally sensitive priests who can effectively serve diverse communities.